Double Entry Journal #9: Language, Dialects, and Reading

It is important for the student to use their primary language for literacy events. A child who speaks Spanish is more likely to understand the ideas expressed in a Spanish novel more quickly than trying to decipher English and understand the ideas at the same time. Young English language learners will also be more receptive to a book written in their language and will not become as frustrated. Students are capable of switching codes when talking to their peers after they understand the material.
I do not know if this situation applies to Appalachian dialects because I am not quite sure how different it is from regular English, and the degree of the dialect varies from person to person. I would not encourage students who have only a little bit of the accent to read an Appalachian dialect text. I guess this would depend on how far down south in the state you were teaching. In that situation I would encourage peers to read each other's writing more often.
The difference between reading aloud in a student centered perspective versus a teacher centered perspective is that not all resources are explored in a teacher centered perspective. Sharing student experiences creates enthusiasm, unifies your classroom, and draws from funds of knowledge other than the teacher.

Resource:
Getting to know students:developing culturally revelant practices for reading and writing [Web log message]. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:_5palgT26a4J:media.wiley.com/product_data/excerpt/24/EHEP0005/EHEP000524-1.pdf+getting+to+know+your+students+interview&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESihbHTui0felcMHojEsBpnh8z7NAdzADlw2OA4q9Vocu4GnsE9vU6W8FAkura70mCyuOla1xOr-rr-Fx2SClUgdkg0vR_t62WIa7eI5Xv0hb-0RJGU6wkBN550lYlezIl_CDQ0s&sig=AHIEtbQinv4Hao96DU6foV8n3HZ8ybE5Ng&pli=1

This article (link is here) is an example of a student inspired by Appalachian literature. His instructors had told him to look into what he loved, which was his culture. If I taught in a college setting, I might show this webpage as an example of student enthusiasm about their heritage.

Resource:
Basile, J. (2011, April 05). Love of appalachian literature inspires student research [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://english.nd.edu/news/19157-love-of-appalachian-literature-inspires-student-research/